Monday, 1 October 2012

Pilgrims are still arriving in Santiago in considerable numbers. But before I tell you about the figures for the months and some of the surprises they contain I´d like to introduce you to this family from New Zealand who arrived in Santiago the other day. Here is what they wrote in the book of memories:
"A man walked to Santiago with a donkey… he wrote a book and in it suggested it would be impossible to do with children. We decided to try anyway!
We started in Astorga and slowly made our way a westward with the sun at our backs casting shadows in front of us with each step we took. Dusty paths, up hills, shady glades, stony tracks… beauty and challenge all the way. Even a broken arm for the 8 year old at O Cebreiro. We met many people… and met them again before they left us behind. We talked and looked and learnt and thought and experienced.
It was a wonderful memory-making walk."
Rob & Rachael, Jaala (18), Josiah (16),Kyle (15), Kaleisha (13), Levi (11)
Micaiah (10), Tessa (8), Ella-Rose (6)
Grandpa Joe (80 years old)

The numbers
The family counted as part of the total number of 168,678 pilgrims who have arrived so far this year. This is 4% more than the 162028 pilgrims who arrived in 2011.
Less Spanish pilgrims are arriving than in previous years. 54% pilgrims in 2011 were Spanish however this year that has dropped to 50%.
September has been busy with 27318 pilgrims arriving in the month compared to 26022 arriving in the same period last year.
The increased number of pilgrims from English speaking countries continues. This month we have noticed more people from the United States of America arriving than before. The end of month figures bear out this impression. As you can see below pilgrims from the USA top the table with a massive 78% more Americans arriving this year compared to last.

Pilgrims from English speaking countries

Country

2009

2010

2011

2012

Growth

Australia

729

880

981

1364

39%

Canada

1649

1414

1762

2119

20%

Ireland

1549

2138

2423

3540

46%

South Africa

224

249

433

591

36%

United Kingdom

1436

1710

1978

3171

60%

United States

2145

2693

3111

5546

78%

New Zealand

164

173

187

273

46%

Full analysis of the statistics for the period 1 January 2012 – 30 September 2012

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